space bar

noun

1. a horizontal bar on a typewriter keyboard that is depressed in order to resume typing one space to the right.
2. a horizontal bar on a computer keyboard that is depressed in order to move the cursor one space to the right or, often, to perform some function in a program.

space-bar

noun

1. a horizontal bar on a typewriter that is depressed in order to leave a space between words, letters, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of space bar¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

A split-second shot shows the proprietor of the space-bar from The Force Awakens that did enough business to commission Lin Manuel-Miranda music, which would make sense as Maz basically shuts her bar down for a Solo entrance.

From Golf Digest

Spā′cer, one who, or that which, spaces: an instrument by which to reverse a telegraphic current, esp. in a marine cable, for increasing the speed of transmission: a space-bar; Space′-writ′er, in journalism, one paid for his articles according to the space they occupy when printed; Spā′cing, the act of dividing into spaces, placing at suitable intervals, as in printing, &c.: the space thus made: spaces collectively.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Mostly there was a sheet in his type-mill, but his fingers only fluttered the space-bar.

From Project Gutenberg

Do not count that as one, in leaving the three spaces suggested, but touch your space-bar three times.

From Project Gutenberg

You know that afterward, Our Hero will retire to the space-bar and chill out and collect kisses from the love interest and that we'll all have a moment to get our adrenals back under control before the hand pops out of the grave and we all give a nervous jump and start eagerly anticipating the sequel.

From Project Gutenberg